When I set foot in Cooper's Hawk, I immediately sensed their dedication to curating top-quality wines. The enthusiastic winemakers at the restaurant go to great lengths – traveling internationally in their relentless search for the highest grade of grapes – to produce what they're best known for: superior wine. It's an impressive operation, especially witnessing the close-knit relationships between the winemakers and growers, who together, bring to life the perfect wine that graces our tables.
Coopers Hawk strikes a harmonious balance as both an upscale winery and a restaurant offering modern casual dining. It is the epitome of world-class handcrafted wines paired with delectable dishes.
My trip to Coopers Hawk was akin to stepping back in time. Found by Tim McEnery in 2005, it's grown from its humble beginnings in Illinois into a reputable establishment known for its innovative streak of incorporating a winery and a restaurant under one roof – a rarity in the restaurant industry. And what was most endearing for me was Tim’s belief in the power of food and wine to foster long-lasting relationships; to create an experience rather than a simple meal. Backed by an array of fantastic dishes and exquisite wines, there was no doubt in my mind that I would have a dining experience to remember at Coopers Hawk.
The Coopers Hawk menu is an artfully curated blend of contemporary American dishes with influences from all around the globe, presented in an elegantly casual atmosphere. The immediate warmth that greeted me upon my arrival spoke volumes of the hospitality that defines this establishment. It was a delight to have fresh, seasonally-relevant ingredients feature in every handcrafted dish on their menu. And just when I thought I’d seen it all, I was introduced to their Napa-style tasting room and Artisanal market, an authentic experience reminiscent of the rich Napa culture. Now that elevated my wine journey to a whole new level!
Born from Tim McEnery's dream, it's no wonder that Coopers Hawk proudly owns its roots in Orland Park and continues to enjoy unwavering support from its community. A shared passion for food and wine is the lifeblood of a community that's savored fabulous food, great wine, and lasting friendships in this establishment. I couldn't help but salute executive chef, Jose Esparza, who skillfully crafted the 64 original menu items, some of which have become the signature dishes we relish today - the Mexican Drunken Shrimp, Jambalaya, and Pistachio-Crusted Grouper, to name a few. These dishes iconic to the restaurant played a crucial part in its growth story, beckoning me to return every single time.
No meal at Coopers Hawk feels complete without experiencing their specialized dishes, so much so that I now kept aside time to indulge in lunch or dinner time classics.
Visit the official website to book a seat at Coopers Hawk and begin your gastronomical indulgence.
What Enticed Me at Coopers Hawk's?
I was enamored by the contemporary American menu at Coopers Hawk. Each food item is carefully paired with handpicked wines, adding luxurious layers of flavor. With a staggering 110-item menu curated by executive chef, Matt McMillin, there was no shortage of exotic global flavors. What I especially loved was that each dish was made from scratch, using the freshest seasonally-tailored ingredients, all carefully paired with wines suggested by experienced winemakers.
Cooper Hawk Wine Club?
A fascinating offering is the Cooper Hawk Wine Club. It’s an exclusive opportunity for wine enthusiasts to discover unique wines monthly – either when they dine in the restaurant or from the comfort of their own home. It's not just about the wines; members also enjoy exciting benefits like dining rewards, promos, and discounts! The club offers versatile options – whether you prefer taking home a bottle of Global Cuvee with their 1-bottle per month membership or savoring multiple bottles with a 2 or 3-bottle subscription. You can easily become a member by visiting their sign-up page.
A Peek into Coopers Hawk's Signature Offerings?
Cooper Hawk's Surf and Turf menu is not to be missed! I thoroughly enjoyed exploring options such as the Bourbon Lacquered BBQ Pork Chop, Parmesan-Crusted Filet Medallion, and Prime Churrasco Grilled Steak. And, the choice of seafood offerings like Soy Ginger Atlantic Salmon, Pistachio-Crusted Grouper, Drunken Shrimp, or Scallop Gratin was equally breathtaking.
Best Wine Offerings?
Complement your scrumptious meal with Coopers Hawk's premium wines. With options like Sparkling, White, Rose, Red, Sweet Red, Mulled, Fruit, and Specialties, there's a wine for each preference. Be sure to give their house specialties a swirl – especially the Sangria and Cooper's Hawk Bubbly Sangria. The Cooper's Hawk Lux Sparkling was a crowd favorite that left a lingering note of delight.
Pastas and Risottos on the Menu?
Oh, and did I mention their delectable pastas and risottos? I still remember the mouth-watering flavors of the popular Country Rigatoni and Gnocchi Carbonara, among others. Their Shrimp and Scallop Risotto, Braised Short Rib Risotto, Sweet Corn and Tomato Risotto, and Roasted Chicken Risotto left me craving for more!
Main Courses to Look Forward to?
A compilation of mains that stand out includes the Red Wine Braised Short Rib, Prime Churrasco Grilled Steak, Bourbon Lacquered BBQ Pork Chops, Trio of Medallions, Filet Mignons, Ellie's Chicken Piccata, and more. Their options to add Bleu cheese, Horseradish, or Parmesan Crust to any steak dish won my heart!
How is Dessert at Coopers Hawk?
I wrapped up my food journey with Cooper’s Hawk's range of luscious desserts. Everything from the S'more Budino and Key Lime Pie to Salted Caramel Creme Brulee and House-made Truffles were worth the indulgence.
Pros and Cons of my Experience at Coopers Hawk
Pros:
- Dedication and attention to detail in wine crafting.
- Engaging blend of upscale and casual dining.
- Handcrafted dishes with an amalgamation of global flavors.
- Use of fresh and seasonal ingredients.
- Extensive variety offered in food and wine menus.
Cons:
- Can be crowded during peak hours.
- Reservation can be tricky due to high demand.
- May seem pricey for everyday dining, but worth it for special occasions.